Buying Guide
The Best Budget Gaming Mice
Five mice under $40, from simple wired picks to a tri-mode 49g model.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Budget gaming mice differ most in weight and shape. These five cover a classic small shape, a long ergonomic one and light symmetrical designs.
We compared weight, polling and shape from each listing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.

Best Polling
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wired Gaming Mouse
8000Hz polling at 53g.
Best for: Shooters.
Our take Check price for HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wired Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab)

Most Buttons
Logitech G203 Wired Gaming Mouse
The most button count here (6).
Best for: MMO hotbars on the thumb.
Our take Check price for Logitech G203 Wired Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab)

Best Ergonomic
Razer DeathAdder Essential Wired Gaming Mouse
The long right-handed DeathAdder shape.
Best for: Palm grips.
Our take Check price for Razer DeathAdder Essential Wired Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab)

Lightest Mouse
Redragon M725 Wireless Gaming Mouse
The lightest weight here (49g).
Best for: Players who lift the mouse often at low sensitivity.
Our take Check price for Redragon M725 Wireless Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab)

Best Switch Rating
SteelSeries Rival 3 Gen 2 Gaming Mouse
Switches rated for 60 million clicks.
Best for: Heavy use.
Our take Check price for SteelSeries Rival 3 Gen 2 Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8000Hz polling at 53g. | Shooters. | Check price for HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wired Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab) |
![]() | The most button count here (6). | MMO hotbars on the thumb. | Check price for Logitech G203 Wired Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab) |
![]() | The long right-handed DeathAdder shape. | Palm grips. | Check price for Razer DeathAdder Essential Wired Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab) |
![]() | The lightest weight here (49g). | Players who lift the mouse often at low sensitivity. | Check price for Redragon M725 Wireless Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab) |
![]() | Switches rated for 60 million clicks. | Heavy use. | Check price for SteelSeries Rival 3 Gen 2 Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Polling1 of 5
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wired Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
HyperX's wired Pulsefire Haste 2 weighs 53g and reaches 8000Hz polling.
Best for
- Shooters.
Skip if
- The maker gives no button count, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
Why we like it
Grip tape is included. It weighs 53g with a solid shell rather than holes, and the HyperX 26K sensor tracks up to 26,000 DPI. The wired cable keeps it simple.
Its paracord-style HyperFlex 2 cable reduces drag, and it polls at up to 8,000Hz, reporting every 0.125ms. Polling above 1,000Hz shortens battery life and needs a CPU with headroom. Worth noting too: light 53g body.
It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Rival 3 Gen 2. Buyers who need a confirmed button count should compare it with the G203, which offers 6.
Key dimensions & specs
- Weight: 53g
- Max DPI: 26,000
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
- Connection: Wired
Pros
- Light 53g body
- 8,000Hz polling
- No battery to charge
- Four pieces of included grip tape
Cons
- No published button count
- Costs more than the DeathAdder Essential at the time of writing
Most Buttons2 of 5
Logitech G203 Wired Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Logitech's G203 is a six-button wired mouse with metal-spring-tensioned primary buttons.
Best for
- MMO hotbars on the thumb.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the DeathAdder Essential was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Five DPI presets cycle from the middle button. Metal springs tension its main buttons for crisp clicks, and G HUB lets you remap all six buttons. The cable runs 2.1 metres.
Its RGB syncs with other LIGHTSYNC gear and can react to the screen. Nothing else here matches its 6 button count; the DeathAdder Essential comes closest at 5. You also get G HUB software for sensitivity profiles.
Its price falls between the M725 and the Rival 3 Gen 2, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed weight should compare it with the M725, which weighs 49g.
Key dimensions & specs
- Programmable buttons: 6
- Max DPI: 8,000
- Connection: Wired
Pros
- No battery to charge
- Mechanical primary buttons tensioned with metal springs
- Up to 5 DPI presets cycled from the middle button
- G HUB software for sensitivity profiles
Cons
- Costs more than the DeathAdder Essential at the time of writing
Best Ergonomic3 of 5
Razer DeathAdder Essential Wired Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Razer's DeathAdder Essential keeps the long right-handed DeathAdder shape in a five-button wired mouse.
Best for
- Palm grips.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: button count of 5, behind the G203 (6).
Why we like it
Its switches are rated for 10 million clicks and DPI buttons sit on top. Its 6,400 DPI sensor and mechanical switches rated for 10 million clicks suit everyday gaming. Five buttons are programmable, and the ridged wheel gives controlled scrolling.
It matches the M725 on button count (5). You also get dedicated DPI buttons for on-the-fly changes and macro assignment through Razer Synapse. Worth noting too: no battery to charge.
No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the M725 was closest. If you want a confirmed weight, look to the M725 instead: it weighs 49g, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Programmable buttons: 5
- Max DPI: 6,400
- Connection: Wired
- Shape: Right-handed ergonomic
Pros
- No battery to charge
- Mechanical switches rated for 10 million clicks
- Dedicated DPI buttons for on-the-fly changes
- Macro assignment through Razer Synapse
Cons
- Button count of 5, behind the G203 (6)
Lightest Mouse4 of 5
Redragon M725 Wireless Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Redragon's M725 is a 49g symmetrical tri-mode mouse with a honeycomb shell.
Best for
- Players who lift the mouse often at low sensitivity.
Skip if
- Skip it if button count matters most to you; the G203 offers 6.
Why we like it
It stores five configuration modes onboard. It matches the DeathAdder Essential on button count (5). You also get tri-mode connection at a budget price.
Keep the M725 on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop. Worth noting too: light 49g body. The nearest alternative on weight is the Pulsefire Haste 2 at 53g, against 49g here.
It makes the most sense for players who lift the mouse often at low sensitivity, since it offers the lightest weight here (49g). It was priced above the DeathAdder Essential and below the G203 at the time of writing. It gives ground on button count, where the G203 offers 6.
Key dimensions & specs
- Weight: 49g
- Programmable buttons: 5
- Max DPI: 8,000
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
- Shape: Symmetrical
Pros
- Light 49g body
- Dongle plus Bluetooth
- Honeycomb shell
- 5 onboard configuration modes
Cons
- Button count trails the G203 (6)
- Costs more than the DeathAdder Essential at the time of writing
Best Switch Rating5 of 5
SteelSeries Rival 3 Gen 2 Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
SteelSeries's Rival 3 Gen 2 pairs a TrueMove Core sensor with switches rated for 60 million clicks.
Best for
- Heavy use.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its button count before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
Settings run in SteelSeries GG. Its TrueMove Core sensor tracks 1-to-1 up to 8,500 DPI, and a paracord-style cable reduces drag. Three-zone RGB lighting is included.
Its TrueMove Core sensor tracks 1-to-1 without acceleration, which keeps aim consistent at any swipe speed. Another plus is no battery to charge. Before buying, weigh one limit: no published button count.
When we checked, only the G203 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Pulsefire Haste 2 cost more. If you want a confirmed weight, look to the M725 instead: it weighs 49g, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max DPI: 8,500
- Connection: Wired
Pros
- No battery to charge
- TrueMove Core optical sensor
- Switches rated for 60 million clicks
- SteelSeries GG software for DPI and lighting
Cons
- No published button count
- Costs more than the DeathAdder Essential at the time of writing
How We Chose These Budget Gaming Mice
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Buttons
- We counted programmable buttons where the listing states them.
- Sensor figures
- We noted maximum DPI and polling rate, while treating them as secondary.
- Connection and battery
- We checked dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes and the rated battery life.
- Weight and shape
- We recorded listed weights and whether the shape is right-handed or ambidextrous.
What to Look for in a Budget Gaming Mouse
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Weight changes how aim feels
Mice around 60g are easy to flick and lift. Heavier mice feel steadier for tracking. A difference of 10g is noticeable over a long session.
Shape and grip come first
Palm grips suit longer, higher-backed mice; claw and fingertip grips suit shorter, lighter shells. Ambidextrous shapes fit either hand but often have fewer side buttons.
High polling rates cost battery
4,000Hz and 8,000Hz modes cut reporting delay slightly but drain wireless batteries faster and use more CPU time.
Count the buttons you will use
MMO mice put 12 or more buttons under the thumb for hotbars. Shooters rarely need more than two side buttons.
DPI figures past 20,000 do not matter much
Most players use 400 to 3,200 DPI. Very high maximums are marketing; sensor consistency matters more.
Wireless is no longer a handicap
A 2.4GHz dongle matches a cable for games. Check battery life with lighting on and whether the mouse charges while in use.
How to Choose a Budget Gaming Mouse
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Shooters | Pulsefire Haste 2 | 8000Hz polling at 53g |
| MMO hotbars on the thumb | G203 | The most button count here (6) |
| Palm grips | DeathAdder Essential | The long right-handed DeathAdder shape |
| Players who lift the mouse often at low sensitivity | M725 | The lightest weight here (49g) |
| Heavy use | Rival 3 Gen 2 | Switches rated for 60 million clicks |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Mice | Weight | Programmable buttons | Max DPI | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pulsefire Haste 2 | 53g | Not listed | 26,000 | Wired |
| G203 | Not listed | 6 | 8,000 | Wired |
| DeathAdder Essential | Not listed | 5 | 6,400 | Wired |
| M725 | 49g | 5 | 8,000 | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired |
| Rival 3 Gen 2 | Not listed | Not listed | 8,500 | Wired |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a wireless mouse slower?
Not over a 2.4GHz dongle. Bluetooth adds latency and suits office work.
Do I need 8,000Hz polling?
No. It is a small gain on top of 1,000Hz, and it costs battery life and CPU time.
What DPI should I use?
Start at 800 or 1,600 DPI and set in-game sensitivity from there. Higher DPI does not improve aim by itself.
Do gaming mice need software?
They work without it, but button mapping, DPI steps and lighting usually need the maker's app.
Can an MMO mouse work for shooters?
It can, but the extra side buttons add weight and make it easy to press the wrong key.
Is a lighter mouse always better?
For flick aiming it helps; for slow tracking some players prefer more weight. Grip and shape matter more.
Bottom Line
HyperX's wired Pulsefire Haste 2 is the pick for 53g and 8000Hz. Logitech's G203 is the simple choice, and Redragon's M725 is the tri-mode wireless option.
